Kansas Football: Interview with De Soto 2020 DE Jonah Reynolds
Written by Charlie Beuttel
Twitter: @charlie_cds3
Every high school teams need a good pass rusher in order to be successful and De Soto has one of the best in the state of Kansas in senior Jonah Reynolds. The explosive 6-2, 220-pound, playmaker has the speed and explosiveness to blow up opposing offensive lines and deliver big plays in the backfield. Reynolds also possesses great athleticism which helped him snag a one-handed interception in a win against Spring Hill. The skills showed last season has college scouts watching to see what he can do with the Wildcats during his senior season.
This rising star is part of a talented group of seniors who led the Wildcats to an 8-3 record in 2018 and a Week 1 51-19 destruction of Leavenworth to start the new season. The Class of 2020 prospect is drawing interest from several colleges and is focused on having a monster senior season for De Soto after a hard offseason grind.
In an exclusive Recruiting News Guru interview, I sat down with Jonah to discuss his recruiting process and high school career.
Interview
What are your thoughts on your individual performance in your junior season?
“I thought I performed decently as an individual last year. There was definitely room for improvement. Overall, it was a solid start for my first year playing on Friday nights.”
What are your strengths on the football field?
“My strengths as a defensive end would probably be my speed off the edge and being able to come down the line to help make plays.”
What was your most memorable moment in 2018?
“Catching a one-handed interception against Spring Hill.”
Did you receive any individual honors?
“I was recognized as an honorable mention Top 25 defensive linesmen in Kansas.”
Are you receiving interest from any colleges?
“Mainly NAIA schools and junior colleges.”
Did you attend any college camps this offseason?
“I attended the Mid-America Nazarene football camp.”
What did you like about that camp?
“The camp was great. The coaches really cared about focusing on fundamentals and how to help us in our upcoming season. It was also a smaller camp so I felt like I got a lot of one-on-one time with the coaches.”
What did you focus on during the offseason?
“I focused on gaining weight and strength this offseason. I gained 35 pounds with help from our head football coach, Coach King. My core lifts have improved a lot.”
What game on this year’s schedule are you looking forward to playing?
“I’m looking forward to playing Pittsburgh. They are a great team, and it would be great to even the score since they beat us last year.”
Do you have a pregame ritual?
“Before games I like to walk the field then get off my feet and try to get fresh for game time.”
What are your individual and season goals for the senior season?
“Some individual goals for me would be being able to improve every week on what my coaches see that needs to be fixed. As a team, I think our defense could be special and our offense is great. I feel like we could make a deep run in the playoffs.”
Is there a current NFL player that you like to compare yourself too?
“It’s tough to compare myself to someone who is playing at the professional level but I enjoy watching Dwight Freeney and I might try out some of his moves this year.”
What is your GPA?
“3.8.”
Thank you for your time and good luck this upcoming season.
“Thank you, sir.”
Photo credit: twitter.com; De Soto DE Jonah Reynolds No. 56